Portable pitching mound

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a base unit having a top surface, a collapsible ramp connected to the base unit movable between an extended orientation sloping from the base unit to a playing surface and a storage orientation and a means for designating a player&#39;s location on the top surface of the base unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to training or practiceequipment. It finds particular application in a baseball environment asa pitcher's mound and will be described with particular referencethereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention isalso amenable to other applications where a compact, portable ramp isdesired.

[0002] Because practicing is a major component of excelling in anysport, it is critical to a player and coach to simulate accurategame-like conditions while practicing. Specifically, when practicing andwarming-up for pitching, it is important for the player to be able tosimulate the conditions and variables normally faced in game situations.One very critical component of the game of baseball is the pitcher'smound. The official rules of the game regulate the pitching mounddimensions corresponding to the sport and more specifically, the leagueof the sport being played. For example, the height of the pitchingmound, the dimensions of the pitcher's rubber and even the slope of thefront of the mound are just a few defined constants that are regulatedby the official rules of the sport. When accurately reproduced on apractice field, the pitcher will become accustomed to game-likeconditions thus focusing on perfecting the mechanics of the art ofpitching.

[0003] Whether due to darkness, winter seasons or inclement weather,many times, actual outdoor field practice is prohibited. Sometimes whenoutdoor practice is not practical, it is possible to practice indoors.However, practicing indoors is generally not conducive to replicatinggame-like conditions as the regulation pitching mound is usually notavailable indoors.

[0004] Prior art workers have devised many types of portable pitchingmounds. For the most part, the prior art portable pitching moundscomprise bulky molded fiberglass shells in part, at least, covered witha resilient material, an artificial turf material, or the like. Examplesof such mounds are taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,306,718 and 4,749,223.

[0005] The present invention overcomes problems in the prior art andothers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, apractice device includes a base unit having a top surface, a rampconnected to the base unit movable between an extended orientationsloping from the base unit to a playing surface and a storageorientation and a means for designating a player's location on the topsurface of the base unit.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thedevice further includes a handle connected to, integral with, or moldedinto the base unit.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thedevice further includes a carrying strap connected to the base unit.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theramp is collapsible from the extended orientation to the storageorientation where the ramp in the storage orientation is comparablysized to the base unit.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thedevice further comprises a home plate removably attached to the baseunit.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thedevice further comprises a means for measuring a distance from adesignated location on the base unit to a location on a playing surfacesuch as a tape measure and the like.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thedevice further comprises a means for anchoring the base unit to aplaying surface such as a spike, rubber mat, and the like.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,designating means comprises a pitching rubber such as a replaceablerubber corresponding to the practice event.

[0014] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, aportable pitching mound includes a base having an upper surface and alower surface, and a connected handle. A ramp is removably connected tothe upper surface and angles between the upper surface of the base and aplaying surface. A pitching rubber is connected to the upper surface ofthe base and a retractable measuring device is provided that measures adistance from the pitching rubber to a location on a playing surface.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thepitching mound includes a height adjusting mechanism connected to thelower surface of the base.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theramp is collapsible.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thebase includes a lateral movement inhibitor such as a spike, a non-slippad and the like.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, adevice comprises a platform, and a collapsible ramp removably connectedto one side of the platform where the collapsible ramp forms a top tothe platform when the device is in a stored configuration. A pitchingrubber is connected to said platform and a target such as a home plateis removably attached to the platform opposite the collapsible ramp. Ameasuring device capable of measuring a distance between the pitchingrubber and the target when the device is deployed on a playing surfaceis also provided. Operatively connected to the device, a means forreducing slippage, such as a rubber pad, is also included.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, themeasuring device includes a tape measure and the like.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, meansfor reducing slippage includes a spike and the like.

[0021] The above aspects and other embodiments, features, and advantagesof the present invention are more readily understood from a review ofthe attached drawings and the accompanying specification and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention may take form in various components andarrangements of components. The drawings are only for the purposes ofillustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be construed aslimiting the invention.

[0023]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus thatsuitably practices an embodiment of the invention.

[0024]FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplarycollapsible ramp.

[0025]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus with acollapsible ramp in a stored position.

[0026]FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus in relationto a home plate.

[0027]FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus with a homeplate in a stored position.

[0028]FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus assembledwith a hinged ramp.

[0029]FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus including anadapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a portable pitching mound generallyindicated by reference number 100 includes a base unit 102, a pitchingrubber 104 and a collapsible ramp 106 constructed of multiple individualsections 108, 110.

[0031] The base unit 102 is preferably rectangular in shape. In oneembodiment, dimension A is 76 centimeters (30 inches). The width of thebase unit 102, dimension B, of the present embodiment is 84 centimeters(33 inches). It is understood that the dimensions of the base unit 102may vary without changing the scope of the invention.

[0032] The base unit 102 is constructed from a lightweight plasticmaterial. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the base unit 102 maybe constructed from other suitable materials including, but not limitedto, rubber, fiberglass, polymer, wood, metal, metal alloy and the like.It is further contemplated that the base unit 102 may be rubber coatedirrespective of the base construction material used.

[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, the base unit 102 includes a handle112 to increase the portability of the pitching mound when in the storedposition. As illustrated, handle 112 is a suitcase type handleprotruding from a sidewall of the base unit 102. However, it iscontemplated that the location of handle 112 may vary. It is furthercontemplated that the type of handle may vary in size and type from thesuitcase type handle 112 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, collapsiblehandles, carrying straps, cutouts, indented grips and the like may beused in place of handle 112 to effectuate the portability of thepitching mound. Moreover while the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes onlyone handle 112, it is contemplated that additional handles or straps maybe disposed in a variety of sizes and locations on the base unit 102 toincrease the mobility of the pitching mound.

[0034] As illustrated, a pitching rubber 104 is adjustably connected tothe upper surface of the base unit 102. For example, in youth leaguerules, the pitching rubber 104 has a dimension C of 10 centimeters (4inches) and a dimension D of 46 centimeters (18 inches). Additionally,the pitching rubber 104 is preferably adjustably mounted with adimension E of 30 centimeters (12 inches). Alternatively, it iscontemplated that the pitching rubber 104 is interchangeable withpitching rubbers of different sizes in order to comply with the rules ofthe specific sport and league. For example, the dimensional size of thepitching rubber 104 may vary from the youth league pitching rubberdiscussed above to a professional league pitching rubber which has a Cdimension of 15 centimeters (6 inches) and a D dimension of 61centimeters (24 inches). Additionally, pitching rubber 104 is adjustablethus increasing or decreasing dimension E in order to further adapt tothe rules of the specific sport and league being played, for examplesoftball, baseball, kickball and the like.

[0035] Further, the preferred embodiment includes a pitching rubber 104constructed of a rubber or fiberglass core with a solid molded rubbercover. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the core of pitchingrubber 104 may be constructed of different materials including, but notlimited to, rubber, fiberglass, polymer, wood, metal, metal alloy andthe like.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the height F between the mounting surface ofbase unit 102 to the top of the pitching rubber 104 is variable tosimulate various conditions and to comply with the rules of the specificsport and league being played. Continuing with the example, overallheight F is 15 centimeters (6 inches) which is the official height foryouth league baseball. It is contemplated that the overall height F canbe adjusted to accommodate all sports and leagues as well as futureleague rule changes.

[0037] In one embodiment, height F is selected via adjusters 114 thatmay be extended or retracted to level the pitching mound as well asmaintain height F. Adjusters 114 are threaded into a complimentaryshaped part of base unit 102 or upper ramp section 108. One ordinarilyskilled in the art can appreciate that these adjusters 114 could bereplaced other devices known or to be discovered in the art including,but not limited to, spacers, spring loaded adjusters, pinned units andthe like. Additionally, adjusters 114 are equipped with spikes 116 tosecure the portable pitching mound to a playing surface. It iscontemplated and understood that the spikes 116 could be replaced withother known or to be discovered anchoring means including non-slip pads,weighted feet and the like.

[0038] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the collapsible ramp 106 comprisestwo individual ramp sections, an upper ramp section 108 and a lower rampsection 110. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thiscollapsible functionality allows the ramp 106 to reduce in lengthpermitting the lower ramp section 110 to be received in the base unit102 for storage while the upper ramp section 108 fits on top of the baseunit 102 forming a lid. Alternately, lower ramp section 110 may bereceived into upper ramp section 108 for storage. In either case, theupper ramp section 108 of the preferred embodiment has dimensions A′ andB′ generally corresponding to dimensions A and B respectively of thebase unit as described above.

[0039] The upper ramp section 108 includes two removable braces 118disposed on the under side of the upper ramp section 108. As shown inFIG. 1, the braces 118 are equipped with adjusters 114 as describedabove. These braces 118 support the collapsible ramp from the pitcher'sphysical weight. Alternatively, the braces 118 can be disposed on thelower ramp section 110 or at an interface between the upper and lowersections.

[0040] As best illustrated by FIG. 2, the upper ramp section 108 andlower ramp section 110 are connected together utilizing atongue-and-groove connecting arrangement. Lower ramp section 110includes a tapered or angled portion 210 on one end to facilitateuniform contact with the ground or surface on which the pitching moundrests. The opposite end of lower ramp section 110 includes the tongueportion 220 of the tongue-and-groove connecting arrangement. Also asshown in FIG. 2, the mating end of the upper ramp section 108 includesthe groove portion 230 of the tongue-and-groove connecting arrangement.Once the two sections are physically connected forming thetongue-and-groove bond, pinholes 120 are aligned between the sections.Pins 240 are inserted through the pinholes 120 to secure the bondbetween the ramp sections thus forming continuity between the sections.Although the illustrated embodiment utilizes the tongue-and-groovetechnique of connecting the ramp sections, it is contemplated thatadditional connecting techniques could be used to form a continuousslope from the multiple ramp sections 108, 110. Artisans can appreciatethat lower ramp section 110 may alternatively be press-fit, snapped,Velcroed, pinned and the like to upper ramp section 108.

[0041] Continued reference to FIG. 2 illustrates the same pinnedarrangement to secure the upper portion 250 of the upper ramp section108 to the base unit 102. Once the upper ramp section 108 is physicallyconnected to the base unit 102 as shown in FIG. 2, the pinholes 120 arealigned between the sections. Pins 240 are inserted through the pinholes120 to secure the bond between the sections. Although the preferredembodiment utilizes the pinning technique of connecting the upper rampsection 108 to the base unit 102, it is contemplated that additionalconnecting techniques could be used to lock the sections together. Inother embodiments, the upper ramp section 108 is press-fit, snapped,Velcroed and the like to bond the connection. One skilled in the art canappreciate the numerous techniques of connecting the upper ramp section108 to the base unit 102.

[0042] Although two ramp sections are illustrated, it is contemplatedthat the slope could be formed utilizing any number of collapsible rampsections. In the alternative embodiments, the ramp sections may utilizethe same locking arrangement as described herein. Additionally, allconnecting arrangements described herein may be utilized regardless ofthe number of ramp sections included.

[0043] Now referring to FIG. 3 and as previously described herein, a lid310 to base unit 102 is created by the upper ramp section 108 when thecollapsible ramp is in the stored position. Continued reference to FIG.3 shows that the base unit 102 of the preferred embodiment includes ameasuring device 320 to accurately measure distances when assembling andsetting up the pitching mound 100 on a playing surface. The measuringdevice 320 includes a measurement tape 330 that includes distancemeasurements corresponding to different sports and/or leagues.

[0044] In one embodiment, the measuring device 320 includes aconventional measuring tape 330 with at least 15.25 meters (50 feet) ofretractable measuring tape. The measuring device may be manuallyrewindable, spring-loaded or otherwise retractable as is known to thoseskilled in the art. The measuring device 320 and measuring tape 330enables accurate distancing of the portable pitching mound duringset-up.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, the measuring tape 330 includes distancemarkings 450 that correspond to different sports and/or leagues.Moreover, other types of measuring equipment may be substituted with noloss of functionality, such as laser range finders, pre-measured stringcolored to indicate various distances and the like.

[0046] Continued reference to FIG. 4 shows the relationship of a base,such as a home plate 460 to the pitching rubber 104 in a standardset-up. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the desireddistance between the pitching rubber 104 and home plate 460 as depictedby distance G of FIG. 4 is variable and corresponds to the sport andleague of the particular sport. For example, the pitching distance Gmeasured from the front of the pitching rubber 104 to home plate 460 fora full-sized field (ages 13 and up) is 18.44 meters (60 feet 6 inches).Alternatively, the distance G is decreased to usually 14.2 meters (46feet) for players of the age of 9 or 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the homeplate 460 is equipped with a cut-out 470 capable of receiving one end ofthe measuring tape 330 to secure the tape while setting up the pitchingmound adjustable to any length and height.

[0047] Now referring to FIG. 5, home plate 460 stores on the undersideof the base unit 102. The home plate 460 includes Velcro which mates toVelcro on the underside of the base unit 102 causing the home plate 460to be removably attached. One skilled in the art can appreciate thatother forms of attaching may be utilized including, but not limited to,press-fit, snaps, guide rails and the like.

[0048] Another embodiment illustrated by FIG. 6 shows that lower rampsection 110′ may be permanently hinged to upper ramp section 108′allowing the collapsible ramp to fold onto itself for storage. In thisembodiment, the lower ramp section 110′ is connected to the upper rampsection 108′ by a hinge 610. Similarly, upper ramp section 108′ isconnected to the base unit 102′ by a hinge 620. In this embodiment, thelower ramp section 110′ is hinged onto the upper ramp section 108′. Theupper ramp section 108′ is then folded onto the top of the base unit 102to form a lid on the base unit 102′ as shown in as previously describedand illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0049] As illustrated by FIG. 7, an optional adapter 710 connects to thebase unit 102 opposite the collapsible ramp 108, 110. The adapter 710creates additional area on the pitching surface to compensate for tallerusers. An L-shaped locking mechanism 720 is used to connect the adapter710 to the base unit 102. Although an L-shaped locking mechanism 720 isillustrated, one ordinarily skilled in the art would appreciate thatother attachment mechanisms may be used to fix the adapter 710 to thebase unit 102.

[0050] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments and selected alternate embodiments. Modifications andalterations will become apparent to persons ordinarily skilled in theart upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description ofthe invention. It is intended that the invention be construed asincluding all such alterations and modifications insofar as they comewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalence thereof.

Having thus set forth the preferred embodiments, the invention is nowclaimed to be:
 1. A practice device comprising: a base unit having a topsurface; a ramp connected to said base unit movable between an extendedorientation sloping from the base unit to a playing surface and astorage orientation; and means for designating a player's location onsaid top surface of said base unit.
 2. The practice device as set forthin claim 1, further comprising a handle for transporting said practicedevice.
 3. The practice device as set forth in claim 1, furthercomprising a carrying strap connected to said base unit.
 4. The practicedevice as set forth in claim 1 wherein said ramp is collapsible from theextended orientation to the storage orientation where the ramp in thestorage orientation is comparably sized to the base unit.
 5. Thepractice device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a home plateremovably attached to said base unit.
 6. The practice device as setforth in claim 1, further comprising a means for measuring a distancefrom a designated location on the base unit to a location on saidplaying surface.
 7. The practice device as set forth in claim 6, whereinsaid measuring means comprises a tape measure.
 8. The practice device asset forth in claim 1 further comprising a means for anchoring said baseunit to said playing surface.
 9. The practice device as set forth inclaim 8, wherein said anchoring means comprises a spike.
 10. Thepractice device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said designating meanscomprises a pitching rubber.
 11. A portable pitching mound comprising: abase including an upper surface and a lower surface; a handle connectedto said base; a ramp removably connected to said upper surface whereassaid ramp angles between said upper surface and a playing surface; apitching rubber connected to said upper surface; and a retractablemeasuring device which measures a distance from said pitching rubber toa location on said playing surface.
 12. The portable pitching mound asset forth in claim 11, further comprising a height adjusting mechanismconnected to said lower surface.
 13. The portable pitching mound as setforth in claim 11, wherein said ramp is collapsible.
 14. The portablepitching mound as set forth in claim 11, the base comprises a lateralmovement inhibitor.
 15. The portable pitching mound as set forth inclaim 14, wherein said lateral movement inhibitor is a spike.
 16. Theportable pitching mound as set forth in claim 14, wherein said lateralmovement inhibitor is a non-slip pad.
 17. A device comprising: aplatform; a collapsible ramp removably connected to one side of saidplatform, said collapsible ramp forming a top to the platform when thedevice is in a stored configuration; a pitching rubber connected to saidplatform; a target removably attached to said platform opposite thecollapsible ramp; a measuring device connected to the platform capableof measuring a distance between said pitching rubber and said targetwhen the device is deployed on a playing surface; and means for reducingslippage.
 18. The device of claim 17 wherein said measuring devicecomprises a distance marked tape.
 19. The device of claim 17 whereinsaid means for reducing slippage comprises a spike.
 20. The device ofclaim 17 further comprising a carrying mechanism incorporated into thedevice.